Jackson State University has been named one of the Best HBCUs for LGBTQ+ students for 2022 by BestColleges.com.
In partnership with Campus Pride, BestColleges.com assessed HBCUs in the U.S. based on factors that included the following:
- Nondiscrimination statement inclusive of sexual orientation
- LGBTQ+ studies programs and course offerings
- Ally program and/or SafeZone trainings
- Resource center/office responsible for LGBTQ+ student support services
The rankings also measure academic outcomes such as graduation and retention rates and college affordability.
As a result, JSU lands among the top 20 HBCUs providing support and resources for its LGBTQ+ student population.
Additionally, JSU offers an LGBTQ+ student organization, Spectrum, that promotes awareness, education, and outreach for LGBTQ students, staff and faculty.
As one of the largest universities in Mississippi, JSU serves nearly 7,000 students and offers 90-plus areas of study and five academic colleges.
According to BestColleges.com, the methodology behind rankings is grounded in statistical data and a few consistently applied guiding principles, including academic quality, affordability, and online competency.
Their 2022 rankings reflect the most recent provisional data available from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and College Navigator, hosted by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).